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Final Bow At The Horsemen's Club?

by Tom Nakashima,posted Feb 16 2011 11:22AM

I don’t know if we’ve seen the last Blues Show at the Horsemen’s Club but if you heard Big Mike Balma last weekend, you know that could be the case. It sounds like forces are in motion that are going to make it difficult to stage these popular events at that unique little venue. I guess we’re spoiled… $15 admission prices, $2 beers, $5 Soul Chop sandwiches and a chance to see some of the greatest blues acts in the country. It’s hard to quantify what Big Mike has meant for the blues scene here. I know it’s been a labor of love. He’s encouraged local favorites…flown in up-and-comers, legends.. put them up and fed them in his home, all the while donating the proceeds to local music programs. I was at his kitchen table with the Prophets when he first brought up the idea of a Heritage Festival, nearly 20 years ago. So we’re in transition now. The Sacramento blues audience is discriminating, passionate and loyal. And I have a feeling Big Mike has something special planned for this summer. He likes to go Big. I’ll let you know….